Visitor Guide 2019

High Street
> Haunch of Venison
> Old Sarum
> Salisbury International Arts Festival
> Christmas Market
In Salisbury, medieval magnificence and
contemporary culture have come together
to create an unbeatable destination for
day trips and short breaks alike.
Breathtaking 13 th century Salisbury Cathedral is the city’s most
iconic landmark. It stands at the heart of the largest cathedral
close in Britain, whose 80 magnificent acres are bounded by
massive stone walls. The Close is an oasis of calm in the midst of
the city. Heavy wooden gates, still locked at 11pm every evening,
are the only way in. As you venture over the threshold, it’s like
stepping back in time.
The Cathedral is not the only attraction located within the Close.
You can discover finds from Stonehenge at The Salisbury Museum.
Relive scenes from Sense and Sensibility at the National Trust’s
Mompesson House. Browse the diverse collections at Arundells,
former home of Sir Edward Heath. Or delve into the history of
two local regiments at The Rifles Berkshire & Wiltshire Museum.
Nearby, in the city centre, you can admire the magnificent Doom
Painting in the Parish Church of St Thomas. On the northern
outskirts of the city you’ll find Old Sarum, the original site of
Salisbury. While Boscombe Down Aviation Collection, Salisbury
Racecourse and Stonehenge are also on your doorstep.
Brimming with character and charm, the historic heart of Salisbury
has retained its medieval ‘chequered’ layout, along with many of
the original street names. Keep an eye out for Fish Row, Cross Keys
Chequer and Silver Street, among others, and don’t forget to look
up, as some of the most interesting architectural details are to be
found at first floor level and above.
From family-friendly brasseries to romantic tables-for-two,
Salisbury’s restaurants cater for all tastes, pockets and occasions.
There are plenty of tempting tearooms and coffee shops to keep
hunger at bay between meals. As well as cosy city pubs, and inns
with a view of the river. One of the oldest hostelries is the 14 th
century Haunch of Venison, reputedly visited by Churchill and
Eisenhower while planning the D-Day landings. Enjoy a pint at the
pewter-topped bar – one of only six in the country – and take a
peek at the former bread oven containing (so the tale goes) the
mummified hand of an 18 th century card sharp.
Shoppers can head for their favourite high street stores. Or seek
out unique and individual items at an intriguing range of smaller
independents. For hustle and bustle you can’t beat a good market,
and Salisbury is blessed with markets in abundance. Throughout
the year the Market Place and Guildhall Square are home to
artisan, teenage and vintage markets. Farmers’ and Foodie Friday
markets. Continental markets and the ever-popular Christmas
Market. Tuesdays* and Saturdays are particularly busy, thanks to
the Charter Market which has been drawing people to the city for
almost 800 years.
In 2018, Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury Arts Centre and Salisbury
International Arts Festival joined forces to become Wiltshire Creative.
The result is an impressive pan-arts organisation covering music,
dance, theatre, comedy, literature and more. After taking a break in
2018, the Arts Festival will be back in 2019 for two fabulous weeks
at the end of May/beginning of June. Add to this the huge variety
of events on offer at City Hall, and Salisbury provides top notch
entertainment, all year round. Indeed, with
so much going on throughout the day and
into the early hours, Salisbury has been
awarded Purple Flag status – the ‘gold
standard’ for a great night out.
Salisbury makes an excellent base for discovering all that Wiltshire
has to offer. With London Waterloo just 90 minutes away by
train you’ll be here in no time. So go to visitsalisbury.co.uk for a
comprehensive guide to the city and surrounding areas.
*Except the third Tuesday in October
visitwiltshire.co.uk
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